Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: France
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Arsenal de l’Aéronautique
Arsenal VG-33 Aircraft Overview
The Arsenal VG-33 was a French fighter aircraft developed during World War II. Designed by Arsenal de l’Aéronautique, the VG-33 was intended to serve as a modern and capable fighter to supplement and eventually replace older aircraft in the Armée de l’Air, the French Air Force.
The VG-33 was a low-wing monoplane with a sleek and aerodynamic design. It was powered by a Hispano-Suiza 12Y liquid-cooled V12 engine, which provided the aircraft with a top speed of around 570 km/h (354 mph) and a range of approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles). Its armament typically consisted of one 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon firing through the propeller hub and four 7.5mm MAC 1934 machine guns mounted in the wings.
One of the notable features of the VG-33 was its agility and maneuverability, which made it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. Pilots appreciated its responsive handling and ability to outmaneuver enemy aircraft, particularly during dogfights. Additionally, the VG-33 was relatively well-constructed and equipped with armor plating to protect the pilot, increasing its survivability in combat.
Despite its promising performance, the VG-33 saw limited service during the Battle of France in 1940, as production delays and the rapid advance of German forces prevented it from being deployed in significant numbers. Only a small number of VG-33s were built, and those that did see combat achieved limited success against the Luftwaffe.
Arsenal VG-33 Specifications
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 8.55 meters (28 feet 1 inch)
- Wingspan: 10.8 meters (35 feet 5 inches)
- Height: 3.31 meters (10 feet 10 inches)
- Wing Area: 14 square meters (150 square feet)
- Empty Weight: 1,719 kg (3,790 lbs)
- Gross Weight: 2,448 kg (5,397 lbs)
- Engine: 1 × Hispano-Suiza 12Y-31, a V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine producing 641 kW (860 hp)
Arsenal VG-33 Performance
- Maximum Speed: 554 km/h (344 mph, 299 knots)
- Range: 1,200 kilometers (750 miles, 650 nautical miles)
- Service Ceiling: 11,000 meters (36,000 feet)
- Wing Loading: 175 kg/m² (36 lbs/sq ft)
- Power-to-Mass Ratio: 0.26 kW/kg (0.159 hp/lb)
Arsenal VG-33 Armament
- 1 × 20 mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon
- 4 × 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns